Discussion Topic

I had a grade 3 last year and did not have surgery. I had never had acupuncture before but decided to give it a try. A week after the injury I started intensive 2-3 times a week visits. They were difficult to go to as I did not like needles and it hurt. A month after the injury I was back to climbing easier stuff. The doctor seemed pretty amazed at the speed of recovery. From what I have heard it all depends on the acupuncturist... Now I do a lot of physical conditioning and have had no problems. I may be a little younger and able to heal a quickly though (27).

did mine a few years back on a mtn bike too. beyond an x-ray never had a proper exam by an ortho, in hindsight it probably would have been a good idea. that said, after the initial heal, mine came back to 90% or so. given 40+ years of climbing the shoulders are pretty much wrecked anyways, so this was more insult to injury. still mtn bike, xc skate, weight train, and climb, just accept that's the way it is for now and figure if it goes, surgery is still out there as an option. i remember werner had a floating collar bone too, didn't seem to slow him down much.

Separated mine 24 years ago. No surgery and I feel great! I do gym therapy and it is in great shape. My first doc said no climbing so I just focused on finishing school and the typewriter was giving me a helluva bad time. I could only type a page or two before my shoulder would hurt bad enough to make me stop. I ran into Grant Hiskes in the library and he asked if I wanted to check out the Grotto. I figured what the hell, I can belay(6 months after the separation). But for fun I jumped on a juggy 5.9. I have to say that my shoulder has not really fukked with me since. I MTB a lot and ski a fair amount and still climb a little bit. I'll bet you will be fine with some therapy!! Good luck. I did mine MTBing as well.

I did it too, over the bars with a gallon of water and some climbing gear to help me slam my shoulder real hard in the dirt. No surgery, about a month and a half of babying it, then gradually back to square one in 4 to 6 months. Never bothers me, except maybe some mantels, and my otherwise perfectly sculpted shoulder has a new knob atop it.